The main aim of the campaign is to promote Polish stadiums as places open and safe for all fans, regardless of their health condition, possible dysfunctions or special needs. The campaign will be inaugurated during matches of the seventh and eighth rounds of the PKO Bank Polski Ekstraklasa and FortunaI Liga on 1-18 September 2023

– “Stadium without barriers” is a unique campaign aimed at showing that football stadiums are open to all fans, including those who have to struggle with disabilities. Each and every one of us, without exception, should be able to directly and safely experience sports emotions at the stadium, so I am glad that the Polish Football Association (PZPN), in cooperation with the Federation of Disabled Supporters and Ekstraklasa and I Liga clubs, has taken the initiative to popularise sport among disabled people. The Ministry of Sport and Tourism also seeks to popularise sport and reach the widest possible group of people with its activities, including fans and athletes struggling with adversity. An example of this is the implementation of the Popularisation of Sport for Persons with Disabilities programme, which in 2023 reached a record budget of PLN 30 million. I would like to thank everyone involved in the implementation of the ‘Stadium without barriers’ project and encourage you to cheer together. Together we are creating Polish sport ,” says Kamil Bortniczuk, Minister of Sport and Tourism.

– Sporting emotions have no barriers. People with reduced mobility, deaf, blind or living with other disabilities can fully enjoy the match experience. The diversity of football fans is reflected in the infrastructural solutions at Polish stadiums, such as dedicated car parks and entrances, access roads, seating areas, toilets or rest areas. There is also no shortage of special services, including the availability of a spectator guide, electric wheelchair transport, wheelchair rental or live audio commentary. Hundreds of volunteers and stadium staff ensure that supporters in need of assistance are provided, and there are seats available for people with a range of needs, including wheelchair users and companions. Through the ‘Stadiony bez barier’ campaign we want to show that our stadiums and clubs are open to everyone and encourage even more fans with disabilities to attend football matches from the stadium stands,” says Cezary Kulesza, President of the Polish Football Association.

– Clubs have been committed for years to making Ekstraklasa stadiums accessible to all fans, including those with various disabilities. With the development of infrastructure, our stadiums are not only becoming more and more beautiful, but more technical obstacles that might have been a challenge for some people years ago are disappearing.New facilities are designed from the beginning to take into account the needs of all fans. But infrastructure is not everything, because there is care and work by the clubs to ensure that football fans have the widest possible access to matches. So that everyone who comes to a match can experience that unique emotion of supporting their team from the stands. It is possible and it is important that we all speak out about it,’ comments Marcin Animucki, President of Ekstraklasa SA.

We are extremely pleased that every year more and more entities join the campaign. We are proud that the event is gaining wider and wider circles and, above all, eliminates mental barriers, those in our heads. Even the best-adapted stadium in terms of infrastructure (and Poland is already doing really well in this respect) will not fill up with fans without the openness of the people and a good atmosphere around it. There is room in the stadium for everyone, regardless of health condition, disability or special needs,”adds Michał Fitas, president of the Disabled Supporters’ Federation.

As part of the campaign, banners promoting the #StadionsBezBarier slogan have been planned and will be displayed during matches of the 7th and 8th rounds of PKO Bank Polski Ekstraklasa and Fortuna I Liga, as well as on 7 September this year during the match of the Polish National Team against the Faroe Islands at PGE Narodowy. The campaign will also feature a promotional spot and advertising materials displayed on screens and social media channels. Audiodescription for the visually impaired and blind will be available during the games.

This year, 19 matches will be played in 19 stadiums as part of the action. The weekend will begin with a Friday match between ŁKS and Warta Poznań (PKO Bank Polski Ekstraklasa) and Resovia Rzeszów and Bruk-Bet Termalika (Fortuna I Liga). In both stadiums the football struggles will begin at 6pm.

Let’s meet #NaStadion!